Dental health and treatment needs of 5‐year‐old children in the health area of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, England

Abstract
Children (865) in their 1st year of full-time education in the health area of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham were examined for dental fitness and treatment requirements. Seventy-six percent of the subjects examined required treatment for dental caries and the mean (decayed-missing-filled total) was 4.85. Sixteen percent of erupted permanent 1st molars were carious. Marginal gingivitis was found in 404 children. All the treatment required for gingivitis and 82% for caries could be carried out by dental auxiliaries. The need for preventive measures is discussed.